Dealers across the country, perhaps afraid money-losing Tesla is somehow a threat, are trying to get the company's stores knocked down as illegally operating outside the cartel-like, protectionist franchise system they helped put in place.

They may have a point, Tesla's stores could be illegal factory operations under many state laws, but these are stupid laws and Tesla isn't wrong for trying to get around them.

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This is an issue that comes up occasionally, most recently when Chrysler was forced by its own dealers to sell a factory-owned store in Los Angeles. The argument dealers make (after years of political donations got them cushy deals) is that stores owned by the company that builds the car provides unfair competition.

Obviously, dealers are pillars of moral fortitude and sound business practices and a factory-owned store would hurt the immense positive feelings most people have towards the car-buying experience.

Even though Tesla dealerships are more like less-fun versions of the Apple store, car dealer associates in various states are attacking them as illegal. To get around this, Tesla may not even take reservations at stores but instead direct customers to a website.

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The one argument the dealers make that isn't to protect their own shitty setup is the dealerships setup in malls can't provide meaningful service. Absolutely true, and you may need the service.

"Tesla may not yet recognize the value of the independent franchise dealer system, but as its sales increase, NADA is confident it will reexamine its business model." Here comes the kicker "Other companies such as Daewoo did."